Buyer answer
What Is a Last-Time Buy?
Published 2026-07-13 · Reviewed by Max Semiconductors · Editorial policy
Direct answer
What is a last-time buy?
A last-time buy is a planned final purchase before a manufacturer or channel stops normal production or ordering for a component. The decision should use the applicable lifecycle notice, forecast demand, storage life, date-code, packaging, quantity, and qualification plan rather than an unsupported assumption that supply will remain available.
Practical details
A last-time buy can create excess, storage, authenticity, and cash-flow risk. Pair the purchase plan with an alternate, redesign, or repair strategy when the program horizon extends beyond the expected supply.
Buyer checklist
State the exact requirement in the RFQ or BOM so the sourcing desk can compare supportable options and carry open conditions into the written quote.
- Exact manufacturer part number and manufacturer
- Quantity, required date, and destination
- Packaging, date-code, traceability, and compliance requirements
- Whether alternates or independent supply may be considered
Risks and limitations
This guidance explains the term or workflow; it does not confirm live inventory, price, authorization, or delivery for a specific requirement.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a last-time buy guarantee future supply?
- No. It is a planning and purchasing decision based on an announced lifecycle change and confirmed commercial terms.
- Can a BOM be reviewed for a last-time buy?
- Yes. Identify the lifecycle-sensitive lines and the required quantity horizon in the BOM request.
- What should a buyer do next?
- Submit the exact MPN or BOM with quantity, timing, destination, and applicable quality requirements. The sourcing desk uses that information to research a written quote.
Buyer checklist
- Confirm the exact manufacturer part number and manufacturer.
- State quantity, required date, destination, and acceptable split shipments.
- Include packaging, date-code, traceability, compliance, and alternate requirements.
- Use the written quote to review source, evidence, price basis, and open conditions.